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Harvesting of Microalgae Biomass Using Ceramic Microfiltration at High Cross-Flow Velocity

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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the harvesting of microalgae by microfiltration (MF) on a ceramic membrane at relatively high cross-flow velocity (CFV) of interest for commercial processes. Pilot-scale harvesting was conducted with algal suspensions (Chlorella vulgaris and Tisochrysis lutea (T-Iso)) and algal supernatants (Porphyridium cruentum) to assess the effect of feedstock characteristics and understand flux decline mechanisms. In total recycle mode (C. vulgaris, 1 g/L), high steady-state permeation flux around 200 L/m2/h was achieved. Total filtration resistance was mainly due to cake resistance (Rc, 57%) and pore adsorption and blocking (Ra, 40%). The process hydrodynamic conditions seemed to have relatively little effect on Chlorella cell integrity. In concentration mode, average permeate flux decreased from 441 to 73 L/m2/h with increasing feed concentration (C. vulgaris, 0.25–1 g/L); the contribution of Rc decreased (82 to 57%), while that of Ra rose (7 to 40%). With T-Iso suspensions and P. cruentum supernatants at 1 g/L, average permeate flux was 59 and 49 L/m2/h, respectively, with predominance of Rc and Ra, respectively. Distinct fouling mechanisms were inferred to explain the superior filterability of C. vulgaris. The results show that ceramic membrane MF at relatively high CFV could be a suitable option for harvesting certain microalgae including C. vulgaris.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the late Dr. Yves Lozano for his constructive comments on the study. They thank André Banville (Université de Moncton) for his skilled assistance with the electronic artwork, and the French Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire and the Centre International de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) for the scholarship and financial support to B.S.B.B.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Joint Research Unit on Integrated and Ecological Intensification for Sustainable Fish Farming (UMR-110, INTREPID), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), TA B 110-16, 73 rue J.F. Breton, 34098, Montpellier cedex 5, France

    Bio Sigui B. Bamba & Paul Lozano

  2. Biological Sciences Teaching and Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Food Science, Université Peleforo Gon Coulibaly (UPGC), BP 1328, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire

    Bio Sigui B. Bamba

  3. Environmental Science and Management Teaching and Research Unit, Environmental and Aquatic Biology Laboratory, Université Nangui Abrogoua (UNA), BP 801, Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire

    Bio Sigui B. Bamba & Allassane Ouattara

  4. School of Food Science, Nutrition and Family Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences and Community Services, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Ave, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada

    Carole C. Tranchant

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  1. Bio Sigui B. Bamba
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Bamba, B.S.B., Tranchant, C.C., Ouattara, A. et al. Harvesting of Microalgae Biomass Using Ceramic Microfiltration at High Cross-Flow Velocity. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 193, 1147–1169 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-020-03455-y

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